A Critical Analysis on Characterizing the Meditation Experience Through the Electroencephalogram

Abstract

Meditation practices, originated from ancient traditions, have increasingly received attention due to their potential benefits to mental and physical health. The scientific community invests efforts into scrutinizing and quantifying the effects of these practices, especially on the brain. There are methodological challenges in describing the neural correlates of the subjective experience of meditation. We noticed, however, that technical considerations on signal processing also don't follow standardized approaches, which may hinder generalizations. Therefore, in this article, we discuss the usage of the electroencephalogram (EEG) as a tool to study meditation experiences in healthy individuals. We describe the main EEG signal processing techniques and how they have been translated to the meditation field until April 2020. Moreover, we examine in detail the limitations/assumptions of these techniques and highlight some good practices, further discussing how technical specifications may impact the interpretation of the outcomes. By shedding light on technical features, this article contributes to more rigorous approaches to evaluate the construct of meditation.

Effects of Pulsed-Wave Chromotherapy and Guided Relaxation on the Theta-Alpha Oscillation During Arrest Reaction

“…Despite the heterogeneity of meditative methods (Deolindo et al, 2020), the enhancement of the theta oscillation (Tanaka et al, 2014;DeLosAngeles et al, 2016;Tang et al, 2019) and its synchronization throughout multiple areas of the brain (Wong et al, 2015;Lardone et al, 2018) represent consistent results, which might be linked to the power theta increase reproduced in this study. Because PWL stimulation and breathing exercises are potentially able to induce oscillatory modulation of the brain rhythms, it is at first sight difficult to dissociate in the present effects those due to guided breathing from those due to the PWL stimulation.…”

Data Acquisition and Data Processing using Electroencephalogram in Neuromarketing: A Review

“…According to Deolindo and colleagues, the ability of EEG to detect and measure neuronal oscillations which is also known as magnetic fields, enables access to information of functional and effective connectivity of neurons in the brain (Deolindo et al, 2020). It can also provide deeper understanding on the process of specific information coding, state of brain attention, and providing evidence on cognitive impairments.…”

“…It heavily provides insight in the field of science, technology, medicine, education, and marketing. The study of neuroscience with the aid of EEG enables us to understand which region of the brain is responsible for which activity, enhancing understanding on neurodegenerative diseases as well as help in understanding human behaviours and discovery of the effective methods in learning, teaching, and marketing (Casson et al, 2018;Deolindo et al, 2020)The immense importance of the study of brain oscillation study in knowing neuropsychiatric disorders helps in determining disturbances between excitations and inhibitions of the networks between each neuron which can be seen in Schizophrenic and Autistic individuals as well as those with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) (Deolindo et al, 2020). Abnormal cortical oscillations were also depicted, especially in the attention and control areas of the brain.…”

“…This proposition provided accuracy and sensitivity of data acquisition technique at 64 to 81% and 65 to 81%, respectively, followed by a study focused on focal epilepsy via neural networks of the brain, giving only 47.4% of data sensitivity. Finally, Da Silva produced a newer proposition on reviewing MEG-EEG signal processing technique comparison to demonstrate the epileptic characteristics of the human brain (Deolindo et al, 2020). Later, the technique of EEG signal classification using cross-correlation and spectral power density, resulting in 99.81 to 100% data accuracy and sensitivity.…”

No effect of focused attention and open monitoring meditation on EEG auditory mismatch negativity in expert and novice practitioners

“…The understanding of the neurocognitive processes involved in mindfulness meditation has increased considerably over the last few years. Neuroimaging studies have identified neuroanatomical and neurophysiological markers of attention and emotion regulation as correlates of state and trait effects in different meditation styles and groups of practitioners (see Deolindo et al, 2020;Fox et al, 2016;Tang et al, 2015;Lutz et al, 2008 for extensive and critical reviews). The investigation of biological markers of mindfulness meditation plays a major role in apprehending the mechanisms underlying mindfulness-based interventions in clinical and other applied settings.…”